Turkish Authorities Give Back Large Area of Land to Greek Community of Istanbul

By Marianna Tsatsou

 

Turkish authorities gave back to the Greek Orthodox foundation based in Istanbul an area of 98 acres situated close to Kandilli, in the Asian part of northern Bosphorus. This area was attached by Turkish officials illegally and after so many years, the Turkish state has decided to give it back to the Greek Orthodox community of Istanbul.
This is a rather expensive plot of land as the broader region is regarded one of the Turkish capital’s most luxurious.
Pantelis Vingas, representative of the non-Islamist minorities and active member of the Greek community of Istanbul, commented that “over the past time, Turkish authorities have made significant decisions, making clear their government’s intention to change everything they have promised to do in regards to Istanbul-based minorities’ freedoms and rights.”
He stressed also the fact that “the Greek community of Istanbul wants to thank Turkish officials for this move and wish that they continue with their positive efforts in several other sectors,” so that Turkey’s minorities can live peacefully.